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Choosing the right gate for your residential property or industrial park is more than just looing good. It is a practical decision influenced by the needs of security, convenience and the functionality of the space. When you’re securing a family home, a commercial premises, or an industrial site, the gate you choose needs to work with your property, not against it. Two of the most popular options on the market today are sliding gates and cantilever gates. While they may look similar at a glance, the differences between them are worth understanding before you commit.
From automatic sliding gates to heavy-duty industrial applications, Melbourne property owners have more choice than ever when it comes to gate systems. Cantilever sliding gates in particular have surged in popularity in recent years, thanks to their smooth operation, low maintenance requirements, and ability to handle uneven or sloped driveways with ease. This guide will walk you through the key differences between sliding and cantilever gates, so you can make a confident, informed decision about what’s right for your property.
Sliding gates are security barriers that move horizontally along a track. They run parallel to a fence line and slide in behind a fence when opening. They are great for use in constrained areas where you don’t have clearance for a swing gate, and offer greater protection than swing gates.
This greater protection comes in two ways. Firstly, sliding gates run on a track, so there is no ground clearance that someone could squeeze under. And secondly they are harder to force open as they don’t swing inwards.
If you have a driveway that slopes upwards or sideways rapidly, these gates fit perfectly, allowing full entry without having to landscape or compromise on secure design.
Unlike swing gates, sliding gates are less affected by strong winds, or strong wind loads. This makes them far more durable.
They are also very easily automated, and run remarkably quietly when opening and closing.
Sliding gates have wheels which run on dedicated tracks. This helps prevent any interruption by strong winds, and helps with the security of your premise, as no one can slide underneath. However, you do need to keep the tracks clean and clear of debris else your gate may run off the rails.
For all the positives, sliding gates do have some unique quirks. While they’re great for where space is limited for a swing gate, you do need space to the side, for it to slide away completely. They also need expert installation with precise levelling or proper installation to accommodate a sloped driveway. This can raise the cost somewhat.
Sliding gates are more often than not used in residential areas where space is a premium. Short or shallow driveways won’t allow a swing gate, so sliding gates are installed. They provide a modern and secure entrance to a property.
Security is one of the biggest reasons home owners choose sliding gates. Not only are they harder to force open than a swinging gate, they are also better at preventing pets and small children from running onto busy streets.
For properties that have wide entrances, sliding gates operate well. Swinging gates can often sag on their hinges and require much more regular maintenance.
Automation is also a big plus. Gates are often installed with remote access, even with geo-fencing. The gate can open automatically when it detects your GPS signal approaching, so you have access to your home without needing to slow down.
The main reasons sliding gates are used in an industrial or commercial setting is to maximise space in high traffic areas with limited area, such as warehouses or loading docks. They provide a compact, linear solution that allows for more utilisation of the space inside compounds.
Sliding gates are great for securing wide entrances, such as those used for large vehicles, enabling automated access with high-frequency visits.
As mentioned earlier, sliding gates are much more secure than swinging gates. In some instances this tighter security is warranted for commercial properties.
Automation is also a key factor with these gates. Easy to install and operate, it can further speed up traffic in areas that have a high traffic load.
The key scenarios where you would use a sliding gate either at your home or in a commercial or industrial workplace include:
If you’re looking at sliding gates in Hawthorn for your home or business, call our expert team on 03 9305 3034 for an in-depth discussion and a free quote.
A cantilever gate is a type of sliding gate that is suspended off the ground, supported by rollers on one side of the gateway, on the fence, rather than tracks on the ground. This makes them ideal for uneven and rough surfaces. Construction sites or rural properties that don’t have smooth, paved surfaces, often benefit from cantilever gates.
Cantilever gates are easily automated and often used in high-security, industrial areas and commercial properties, and in residential estates where access is required.
As they are suspended from the ground, rather than on tracks, it can be possible to slide under the gates, however there are preventative measures to help stop that, such as chain skirts and other barriers.
Cantilevered gates are mainly used in residential situations where ground conditions at the gate are challenging. Think uneven driveways, or gravel driveways that couldn’t manage a tracked gate.
They are also chosen for residential homes where debris is a problem. Rural properties with a lot of dirt or mud tracks, if there is a lot of rain or snow, environmental factors that could clog or damage a tracked system. This is also a benefit as there are no tracks to be filled with debris, maintenance of a cantilever gate is lower.
Much like sliding gates, automation can be set up for quick access and ease of use. You don’t need to do much more than push a button, or just be within signal for the gate to open for you.
Cantilever gates are used in industrial or commercial sites where trackless solutions are best. Construction sites where entrances are not paved, where the ground is uneven or muddy, cantilever gates function well. Construction vehicles and heavy loads can increase the road damage and ground unevenness.
For commercial or industrial sites with a high traffic load of heavy vehicles, trackless cantilever gates work as there is no damage done to the tracks from the heavy loads.
For space-restricted commercial sites like warehouses, cantilever gates are ideal because they slide along the fence line rather than swinging inward.
Here are situations where you would consider installing a cantilever gate for your home or workplace:
If you’re investing in an industrial or commercial park and need a cantilever sliding gate in Keysborough, call our team of experts on 03 9305 3034, or contact us and we can talk about what gate is best for your situation and get started on securing your business.
When it comes time to make a choice between sliding gates and cantilever gates, consult your property, conduct a survey of the surrounding area and ask yourself some questions.
How big is your gate budget? Sliding gates are generally more budget friendly than cantilever gates.
What is the ground like where the gate will be? If the ground is sealed and flat, a sliding gate can be installed with tracks. If the ground is uneven or unsealed, then a cantilever gate would be your best choice as you don’t need tracks to guide the gate open.
Do you want high security? Cantilever gates cannot be lifted off their rails and forced open. However, if budget is a factor, sliding gates are more secure than regular opening gates as you can’t slide underneath, nor can you force them open.
Do you have limited yard space? Either gate would be fine in this situation, as they both slide along the gate rather than inwards to take up valuable yard space.
What kind of traffic will use this entrance? For general use such as cars, a sliding gate would be fine. If the traffic is going to be heavy and frequent, a cantilever gate is best as there is no risk of wear and tear on the ground tracks.
What’s the weather like? Rough weather, snow, rain and wind-blown debris can clog up the guide tracks of a sliding gate, increasing the time and cost for maintenance. Cantilever gates don’t have that problem.
If you have these questions, or more, don’t hesitate to contact us and we can help you make the choice of the right gate for you. Gate Opening Systems are experts in cantilever gates in Melbourne, and industrial sliding gates in Melbourne too. We can help you choose the right gate for your worksite and for your home.
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